In the past 20-30 years we humans have seen a dramatic rise in autoimmune diseases. Various factors have been attributed to this increase: unhealthy eating habits, environmental toxins/pollutants, the overuse of OTC and prescription medications, vaccinations, etc. The remarkable thing is that autoimmune diseases are now very common in our dogs and cats for the very same reasons!

A growing number of vets are stating that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper stating that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale, was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct.

Most dog and cat food is loaded with unnecessary carbohydrates as well as hormone and pesticide filled "animal by-products". The immune system of animals can be severely compromised by this type of diet. Let's read what some doctors in the field have to say:

Dr. Ian Billinghurst D.V.M. "Most of the disease problems we vets see are caused by only one thing - poor nutrition. Processed pet foods/poor nutrition are the main factors in pet cancer, arthritis, obesity, dental disease and heart disease."

Rob Robertson, M.D - "Nearly everything that goes wrong with us and our pets, with the exception of trauma, can be traced directly to an immune system failure".

Alfred Plechner, D.V.M - "The most common and most visible symptoms of nutritionally caused deficiencies are allergies of one kind or another. Because many commercial foods are woefully deficient in key nutrients, the long-term effect of these foods makes the dog or cat hypersensitive to its environment. . . .Our soil, plants (including fruits and vegetables), and especially commercial foods are woefully deficient in key nutrients."

Scientists theorize that mineral deficiency subjects us and our animals, to more diseases, aging, sickness and destruction of our physical well-being than any other factor in personal health!

Homeopathy for Animals

A growing number of veterinarians are turning to homeopathic veterinary medicine as a safe and effective alternative to conventional veterinary practice. Homeopathic remedies use minute amounts of substances to act as a trigger to the body and stimulate its natural immune system: Marcie Fallek, D.V.M.- "Some conditions that can be treated with homeopathy and holistic care include:

• cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism
• feline leukemia, feline aids, inflammatory bowel disease
• diabetes, chronic sinusitis, cystitis
• ear infections, asthma, skin allergies
• behavioral disorders, upper respiratory infections
• stomatitis, seizures/epilepsy, arthritis
• autoimmune diseases: lupus, pemphigus, paralysis
• intervertebral disc disease, wobblers syndrome, fleas, arthritis
• eosinophilic myositis, mange and many other disorders

Environmental Toxins/Allergens

Your pet, just like us, is exposed to toxins and allergens all day long. These toxins from: exhaust fumes, plastics, wood smoke, secondhand tobacco smoke, household cleaners, dryer exhaust from perfumed fabrics, new carpeting, pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals, accumulate and wreak havoc in both humans and animals. Detoxifying is possible for animals as well as people and often necessary.

Good Nutrition for Your Pets is Vital

In addition to good carbohydrates, proteins and fats, quality organic vitamins and minerals too are essential for your pet's health. Unfortunately, cooking and processing destroy nutrients, making it more difficult to get even the recommended vitamin levels.

There are two groups of vitamins: synthetic, and natural or organic. Inorganic are synthetic and produced in laboratories to mirror their counterparts found in nature. Therefore most ordinary or over-the-counter supplements are not only ineffective, they can also be harmful for your pet.

Natural vitamins are derived from good food sources. Chemically there are few differences, however the synthetic supplement contains only the isolated vitamins. Truly natural, complete supplements offer more benefits as with whole foods. Minerals are also needed for the proper chemical balance of our pet's body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone.

Whether you are seeking to correct a deficiency, supplement a commercial diet or boost nutrient density, it is important to recognize that vitamins and minerals work synergistically. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals helps enable your pet's immune system to function to its fullest potential.

Should you give your pet a nutritional supplement? Absolutely!! Most of us take supplements and eat right to get all the nutrients necessary to avoid disease and ensure good health. The same is true for the four-legged members of your family.

Your pet needs a high quality nutritional supplement because:

• All pets have different nutritional requirements. Age, activity level, environment, genetics, breed and other factors determine your pet's special needs
• Although a good premium food can provide some nutrition, food alone cannot supply all the nutrients necessary to fulfill those unique requirements
• A deficiency of just one or more nutrients can leave your pet vulnerable to disease
• Nutrients that specifically support your pet's natural defenses are vital to good health

The best supplement for your pet should:

• contain no binders, fillers, coatings, excipients or flow agents which are all synthetic and harmful
• Should contain no preservatives at all
• Should not be heat processed which destroys important enzymes, co-factors and nutrients
• Should contain an adequate amount of carbon-based organic minerals (not colloidal)
• Should not contain ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin C)
• Should not contain synthetic vitamin E
• Should not contain any artificial flavors, colors, additives, preservatives, synthetics, wheat (gluten), corn, yeast, soy, dairy, nuts, or animal by-products
• Should be ultra-hypoallergenic (non-allergenic)

intraMax fills the above requirements and more while supplying complete pet nutrition which cannot be found in pet foods or ANY foods! Additionally, intraMax contains probiotics, digestive enzymes, detoxification properties and anti-parasitic ingredients.

The general rule for giving your pet intraMax is 1/2 teaspoon for every 20 lbs of animal. The travel-size bottles are perfect in this regard and can easily accommodate an eyedropper that fits nicely on the top of the bottle.

I don't know about you, but our own cats are like members of our family. Shouldn't they be receiving the best nutrition possible?

Testimonial

Our 19 year old cat, "Mama" was literally on the verge of death last year with advanced kidney disease. We immediately started giving her 1/4 teaspoon of intraMax on a daily basis. The change in her was remarkable. She's not only still alive as I write this (May 17th), she's exhibiting the vitality that she had more than 5 years ago!

Our pets deserve only the best. intraMax is it!

Once again, I thank you for reading.

Until next month.

Yours in health,

Dr. Mike

email: dr_mike@juno.com